We are all familiar with the term feudalism. It was a medieval contractual relationship among the upper classes, by which a lord granted land to his men in return for military service. Feudalism was further distinguished by the confinements of political and economic power from the base of the castles, each of who rule the district in which it was located. This involved a division of governmental power spreading over various castle-dominated districts downward through the lesser nobles. The idea of feudalism has caused many historical scholars to debate on whether feudalism hampered the people of the medieval period or gave them a sense of direction. The intention of intertwining classes in order to serve a common goal sounds promising, but can also become easily corrupt under a crooked individual. Ideas of giving one wealthy landowner the power over hundreds of people can become almost "Subdivided tyranny", with all those concerned caught deep within the chaos. Feudalism's decline proved that this form of hierarchal government would not suit the fellow man. For this reason, feudalism hindered the people of the Medieval Period. It mired the creation of an equal government, it created an immoral class system that degraded those inv
Along with the idea of feudalism came a great pyramid unto which everyone was divided and subdivided, based on importance in the "big scheme" of things. The lowest serf paid homage to his vassal, who paid allegiance to his Lord, who paid allegiance to his Duke, who all paid allegiance to the King. Serfs (peasants) were considered to be the lowliest of life forms that walked the earth. The only way to receive any recognition was to become involved in the larger hierarchy. With this evolution came political power, wealth, and the chance to lead a somewhat fulfilling life. It is debauched to place individuals into social classes that only degraded them as citizens and stripped them of their dignity. If raised by a peasant family, unless by some extremely rare act of God, you were to lead a life of poverty as a lowly peasant as well. No one wanted to look out for the little guy, which is the main reason why social stereotyping causes wars amongst countrymen.
Charlemagne was believed to have been the one who initially started the feudalism/fealty system in the medieval period. His vast empire was ruled independently by Dukes and vassals. Although Charlemagne believed the only way to control his land is by throwing his responsibilities on
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